First Apartment Checklist: Essentials Edition
By ApartmentAdvisor Editorial Team
Oct 20, 2021
Throw pillows and throw blankets are nice, but they're not nearly as useful as toilet paper and dish soap. For new renters, this first apartment checklist is all about the essentials. It's practical, printable, and it's as easy to use as check, check, check.
Cleaning
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Floor mop
- Floor cleaner
- Cleaning supplies bucket
- Sponges for cleaning
- All-purpose cleaner for countertops
- Toilet bowl cleaner
Kitchen
- Sponges for dishes
- Hand soap
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher soap
- Dish drying rack
- Dish towels
- Paper towels
- Forks
- Knives
- Spoons
- Chef's knife
- Paring knife
- Serrated knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Grater
- Peeler
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Fire extinguisher
- Cooking utensils
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- Oven mitts
- Cookie sheet
- Salt and pepper shaker
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Storage containers
- Coffee maker
- Toaster oven
- Microwave
- Kitchen trashcan
- Trash bags
Bathroom essentials
- Toothbrush
- Shower curtain
- Bath mat
- Bath towels
- Plunger
- Toilet brush
- Wash cloth
- Hand towels
- Hand soap
- Bar soap
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Face soap / personal toiletries
- First aid kit
- Bathroom trashcan
- Mirror (if none is present)
Laundry and Closet
- Hangers
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener
Tools & Utilities
- Toolbox
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Hammer
- Picture hangers
- Extension cords
- Surge protectors
- Light bulbs
- Duct tape
- Stepstool
- Wall hooks
- Fan
- Flashlight
- Batteries (9 volt in for smoke detectors)
Bedroom
- Bed frame
- Mattress
- Pillows
- Bedding Sheet set
- Blanket and/or duvet
Lighting
If overhead lighting is limited:
- Floor lamp
- Table lamp
When it comes to moving into your first apartment, keeping things simple can help minimize stress (not to mention costs). That's the idea behind this first apartment checklist for new renters. No frills. No extras. Just the essentials.
Top metro areas
Atlanta Metro Apartments
1,471 apartments starting at $600/month
Austin Metro Apartments
1,404 apartments starting at $522/month
Baltimore Metro Apartments
738 apartments starting at $500/month
Boston Metro Apartments
5,064 apartments starting at $650/month
Charlotte Metro Apartments
918 apartments starting at $475/month
Chicago Metro Apartments
3,353 apartments starting at $400/month
Dallas Fort Worth Metro Apartments
2,746 apartments starting at $400/month
Houston Metro Apartments
1,070 apartments starting at $450/month
Las Vegas Metro Apartments
1,034 apartments starting at $670/month
Los Angeles Metro Apartments
4,783 apartments starting at $700/month
Miami Metro Apartments
571 apartments starting at $1,025/month
Milwaukee Metro Apartments
783 apartments starting at $500/month
New York Metro Apartments
2,104 apartments starting at $945/month
Orlando Metro Apartments
993 apartments starting at $550/month
Philadelphia Metro Apartments
1,758 apartments starting at $450/month
Phoenix Metro Apartments
1,544 apartments starting at $700/month
Pittsburgh Metro Apartments
1,077 apartments starting at $500/month
Portland Metro Apartments
1,741 apartments starting at $695/month
Raleigh Metro Apartments
807 apartments starting at $575/month
San Antonio Metro Apartments
1,032 apartments starting at $550/month
San Diego Metro Apartments
1,543 apartments starting at $590/month
San Francisco Metro Apartments
1,715 apartments starting at $850/month
Seattle Metro Apartments
1,526 apartments starting at $525/month
Tampa Metro Apartments
1,034 apartments starting at $725/month
Washington Metro Apartments
709 apartments starting at $550/month